Balochistan Likely to Get Public Holiday on April 4


The Balochistan Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday, urging the provincial government to declare April 4 as a public holiday.

This request comes in remembrance of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB), who was martyred on that date. Mir Zahoor Buledi, a PPP member, emphasized the significance of honoring Bhutto’s memory through this resolution.

The Balochistan Assembly paid heartfelt tributes to ZAB and collectively urged the government to designate April 4 as a public holiday. Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola facilitated the voting process, leading to the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the assembly.

Mir Sadiq Umrani, a senior party leader, described the event as ‘a judicial and political murder.’

He added that ZAB sacrificed his life to uphold the banner of democracy and the Constitution in the country. Umrani pointed out that the Supreme Court had already deemed the previous judgment unfair and against the law.

Last month, the provincial government of Sindh
announced a public holiday to commemorate the 45th Martyrdom of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto across the province on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

The notification added that all government offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, corporations, and local councils under the administrative control of the provincial government except those engaged in essential services will remain closed.

Source: ProPakistani

Political stability vital for country’s development: Musadik


Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik says political stability is vital for the progress and development of the country and PML-N is ready to work with the opposition in the country’s larger interest.

Talking to media in Lahore today, he said the country’s development should not be compromised for the sake of politics. He said political stability will lead to the economic stability of the country.

The Minister said PML-N Quaid has also decided to move forward for the country, forgetting the past.

Musadik Malik said the government is making tireless efforts to bring a sustainable energy in the country, which is foremost priority of the government.

He said the government is also taking serious steps to address the challenge of climate change.

Source: Radio Pakistan

PSEB Invites Pakistani IT Firms to London Tech Week 2024


Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has opened applications for IT companies to participate in the 11th edition of London Tech Week, a global event highlighting technology and innovation.

In collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDA), PSEB plans to take 16 Pakistani companies to the 72-square-meter Pakistan Pavilion at London Tech Week 2024.

The initiative aims to provide Pakistani IT companies with exposure on an international platform, with PSEB offering a 49% subsidy to make participation more accessible. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2024.

Scheduled from June 10 to 14 at Olympia London, the 11th edition of London Tech Week boasts representation from over 90 countries. The event serves as a convergence point for the global tech ecosystem, facilitating discussions on investment, innovation, and talent in the UK tech industry.

London Tech Week presents an opportunity for innovators, investors, and tech leaders to engage with the event’s diverse offerings and cont
ribute to shaping the future of technology.

Last year, during London Tech Week 2023, Pakistani IT companies including Allzone Technologies, Invozone, Mercurial Minds, Purelogics, Datics, Graphite, and P@SHA Connect showcased their capabilities and demonstrated their potential to shape the future of technology.

These Pakistani tech firms were presented with opportunities for collaboration, joint ventures, and software development services by tech leaders from around the globe. Additionally, Pakistani companies signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with startup watchdogs, cybersecurity firms, companies in need of app development services, Internet of Things (IoT) enterprises, and staff augmentation providers.

Ignite National Technology Fund also participated in London Tech Week 2023, showcasing six exciting startups from its various National Incubation Centers (NICs). The NIC startups that participated in London Tech Week 2023 included Xylexa (NIC Islamabad), CricFlex (NIC Islamabad), EyeSmarty (NIC Pes
hawar), CalCart Technologies (NIC Islamabad), Gridizen (NIC Karachi), and SLOSH AI Solutions (NIC Islamabad).

Source: ProPakistani

Pakistan condemns Israeli attack on Iranian Embassy in Syria


Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack on the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a statement termed the attack an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of Syria and undermining its stability and security.

The spokesperson said the attack is a violation of international law and the UN Charter. She said attacks against diplomats or diplomatic facilities are also illegal under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the irresponsible act of the Israeli forces is a major escalation in an already volatile region.

She called on the UN Security Council to prevent Israel from its adventurism in the region and its illegal acts attacking its neighbors and targeting foreign diplomatic facilities.

The spokesperson offered deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people and the Government of Iran on behalf of Pakistan.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Sehri and Iftar Time Today in Pakistan – 3rd April 2024


As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, Pakistan embraces the cherished customs of sehri and iftar with reverence and enthusiasm.

With the commencement of Ramadan, families across the country gather in the pre-dawn hours for sehri, the meal before the fast begins. Traditional dishes like parathas, fruits, and dates grace the tables, providing sustenance for the day ahead.

As the sun sets, the melodious call to prayer echoes through the streets, signaling the time for iftar, the evening meal to break the fast. Vibrant bazaars come alive with an array of delectable treats, from savory samosas to sweet desserts, offering a feast for the senses.

In homes and mosques, communities unite to partake in the iftar meal, fostering bonds of kinship and solidarity. This sacred time of sharing extends beyond familial ties, with many reaching out to those in need, exemplifying the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines Ramadan in Pakistan.

As the month progresses, the nation collectively engages in acts of wors
hip, reflection, and charity, drawing strength from the collective devotion of its people.

In Pakistan, Ramadan serves as a time of spiritual renewal and communal unity, enriching the fabric of society with its timeless traditions.

Following are the sehri and iftar times across major cities of the country:

23rd Ramadan – 3rd April 2024

City Sehri Time Today Iftar Time Today

Islamabad/Rawalpindi 4:29 AM 6:30 PM

Lahore 4:27 AM 6:23 PM

Karachi 5:05 AM 6:49 PM

Peshawar 4:34 AM 6:36 PM

Quetta 4:58 AM 6:52 PM

Faisalabad 4:32 AM 6:28 PM

Multan 4:40 AM 6:34 PM

Bahawalpur 4:41 AM 6:33 PM

Gujranwala 4:31 AM 6:29 PM

Hyderabad 4:59 AM 6:44 PM

Sukkur 4:54 AM 6:43 PM

Source: ProPakistani